Busy roads and highways crisscross the North Charleston area, from I-26 and I-526 to Rivers Avenue and Dorchester Road. With so much traffic, it's no surprise that auto accidents are unfortunately common. After a crash, injured parties can be left with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and many unanswered questions about what to do next.
If an individual or a loved one has been hurt in a North Charleston car accident, it is essential for them to understand their legal rights and options for pursuing compensation. An experienced North Charleston car accident lawyer like those working at Derrick Law Firm can provide valuable guidance during this difficult time and fight for the fair recovery needed to move forward after a serious wreck.
Types of Auto Accidents in North Charleston
Crashes can happen in countless ways, including:
- Rear-end collisions. Rear-end accidents occur when the front of one vehicle slams into the back of another, often due to following too closely or failing to brake in time.
- T-Bone/Side-impact crashes. Side-impact wrecks happen when the front of one car strikes the side of another. These crashes frequently occur in intersections when drivers run a red light or stop sign. Severe injuries may occur because of the lack of protective framing on the sides of vehicles compared to the front and rear.
- Head-on collisions. When the front ends of two vehicles collide head-on, the combined forces involved often result in catastrophic injuries or deaths. Wrong-way driving and veering into oncoming traffic are frequent causes of head-on crashes.
- Sideswipe accidents. Sideswipes involve the sides of two parallel vehicles striking each other, typically during improper lane changes or merges. While injuries may be less severe than other crash types, sideswipes can still cause drivers to lose control.
- Multi-vehicle pileups. Sometimes, an initial collision between two vehicles sets off a chain reaction that involves many other cars, especially in heavy traffic or low visibility conditions. More than one driver may be at fault for a multi-vehicle crash.
- Rollover crashes. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, like SUVs and trucks, are prone to rolling over during accidents or when taking sharp turns at high speeds. Occupants risk being violently tossed around or ejected.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in North Charleston
Most North Charleston auto accidents result from negligent or reckless actions by one or more drivers, such as:
- Distracted driving. Despite laws banning handheld cellphone use behind the wheel, distracted driving remains rampant and is a leading cause of crashes as drivers take their eyes and attention off the road.
- Speeding. Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for conditions increases the crash risk and may result in more serious injuries if a crash occurs.
- Impaired driving. Drunk and drugged driving impairs reaction time, coordination, and judgment. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports thousands of DUI-related wrecks each year.
- Aggressive driving. Aggressive maneuvers like tailgating, erratic lane changes, and road rage endanger everyone on the road as hostile drivers act unpredictably.
- Drowsy driving. Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving as severely sleepy drivers nod off at the wheel or experience slowed reactions and impairments resembling intoxication.
- Poor road conditions. Hazardous road conditions like potholes, debris, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate signage or lighting sometimes contribute to wrecks.
North Charleston Car Accident Injuries
The immense forces exerted on the human body during a car accident can inflict a wide range of injuries, including the following:
- Soft tissue damage. Connective tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments are prone to sprains, strains, and tears upon impact. Whiplash is the most prevalent example.
- Broken bones. Fractures of varying severity are common, from simple breaks that will heal with casting to compound fractures that require surgical repair with pins, screws, or plates.
- Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord from compression or severing can cause permanent paralysis, loss of sensation, and other disabilities. The lifetime medical costs are astronomical.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Sudden jolts or blows to the head can disrupt normal brain function, ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive and physical impairments. TBIs often have unpredictable effects.
- Burns. Contact with flames, hot surfaces, chemicals, steam, or fluids during an accident can cause excruciating first-, second-, or third-degree burns that lead to scarring, disfigurement, and long-term pain.
- Crush injuries. When a body part gets pinned or compressed during a wreck, crush injuries occur, often damaging skin, tissues, and organs while potentially causing dangerous conditions like compartment syndrome or organ failure.
- Lacerations. Deep cuts from shattered glass, jagged metal, and loose objects can damage critical blood vessels while leaving permanent scars even with stitches. Infection risks are high.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder. Not all accident injuries are visible, as many people develop PTSD and associated mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and phobias.
What to Do After a North Charleston Auto Accident
The scene after an accident is often overwhelming, but taking the right steps from the start may make a difference for an injured party. Accordingly, people involved in car crashes can take steps such as the following:
- Prioritize safety. Check for injuries and move vehicles out of traffic if possible. Call 911 for an ambulance if anyone is seriously hurt.
- Notify law enforcement. Even for seemingly minor crashes, call the North Charleston Police to have an officer document the accident in an official report. This report can provide key evidence during an injury claim.
- Exchange info. Obtain names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all involved parties. Avoid discussing fault, as anything said may be used against the individual later.
- Gather evidence. If it is safe, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, skid marks, and road conditions. Obtain contact information for any eyewitnesses who saw what happened.
- Seek medical care. Always get evaluated by a doctor promptly after a crash, either in an ER or by seeing a physician as soon as possible. Delayed symptoms are common, so a record of accident-related injuries is essential.
- Notify the insurer. Call the auto insurance company to report that an accident occurred, but keep it brief and avoid going into detail. Don’t give a recorded statement to insurers without consulting a North Charleston car accident lawyer first.
- Contact a North Charleston car accident lawyer. Reach out to an experienced attorney to learn about legal rights and begin the process of pursuing injury compensation.
Compensation Available for North Charleston Car Accident Injuries
North Charleston car accident victims can seek compensation for the full extent of their losses through insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. While every case is unique and past results are no guarantee of a future outcome, an experienced lawyer can fight for fair recovery of damages like:
- Medical expenses. This includes all accident-related medical costs, from ambulance fees and ER bills to ongoing rehabilitation and future treatment needs.
- Lost income. Wages, salary, benefits, and self-employment income the injured party missed out on and stands to lose in the future due to accident injuries preventing them from working are part of lost income damages.
- Pain and suffering. The subjective physical pain and emotional suffering endured due to injuries may be part of a legal recovery. Factors like severity and duration of suffering influence these non-economic damages.
- Scarring or disfigurement. When accident injuries leave permanent scars or other disfiguring effects, additional compensation may be available for the associated mental trauma and embarrassment.
- Loss of enjoyment. Damages for the inability to participate in favorite hobbies, sports, activities, and other pleasures of life to the same extent as before the accident injuries may be part of a legal recovery.
- Property damage. A car accident victim may be able to recover costs to repair or replace a vehicle damaged in a crash, plus any other personal property that was broken or lost.
- Wrongful death. When someone tragically loses their life in a deadly North Charleston crash, close surviving family members can recover compensation for final medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of love and companionship.
How to Choose a North Charleston Car Accident Attorney
After getting the necessary medical care, finding the right North Charleston car accident lawyer is one of an individual's most important steps. You may choose to look for a lawyer with:
- Experience. Some law firms have years of experience successfully handling motor vehicle accident cases and taking them to trial when necessary. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, past case results may matter to you.
- Accessibility. Individuals deserve direct access to their attorney, not just support staff. You may look for a North Charleston car accident lawyer who will be available to personally address questions and concerns throughout the process.
- A good reputation. Read former client reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the law firm’s track record and the quality of service and results they deliver. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, seeing what prior clients had to say about Derrick Law Firm may be helpful in your decision.
- Resources. Accident cases require upfront investment to investigate, gather evidence, hire experts, and build the most substantial claim. You may look for a law firm with the resources to fully fund a case without cutting corners.
